Dailuaine 25 Years Old 1997 Cask #15559 – 15560 (Wilson & Morgan)

This Dailuaine was bottled by the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, a 25 year old, distilled in 1997, from cask 15559-15560, bottled at 53%, one of 489 bottles. Dailuaine is a rich, meaty Speyside single malt from the banks of the Spey near Aberlour. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy.

It was worked through the big stills for a meaty, malty spirit, for the rich, full bodied make Dailuaine is known for. An Oloroso hogshead lent fig, raisin and a savoury, nutty depth, the heavy spirit soaking it up. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, meatier fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. The full bodied make rewards a long, patient maturation in good wood.

At cask strength 53% it is full bodied. A robust, sherried maltiness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury spice fill the middle. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is a rich, malty Speyside single malt.